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* 

EPISODES 

OF 

THE MEXICAN WAR. 



J[ Jfl^m. 



Delivered befoi-e the A^ew York Associated Veterans of 

the Mexican IVar, at the Lexington Avenue 

Ope) a Hoi4se, Neia York City, 

on the Thirty-first 

Anniversary 

of the 

CAPTURE OF THE CITY OF MEXICO. 

BY LT.-COL. GEOthwi^lPA^TEN, U. S. A. 



NEW YORK: 

Brentano's Literary Emporium, 

39 Union Square. 

1878. 



* 






-^ 



HIRAM TRUSS, Jr., 

BOOK AND JOB PRINTER, 

15 NEW CHURCH ST., 

NEW YORK. 



* 



INTRODUCTION. 



^^O the Associated Veterans of the Mexican War, this 
^-^ little poem, at whose request it was written, is sub- 
mitted without comment. 

To that class of readers, if any there be, who are more 
inclined to censure than to extol, the author does not deem 
it incumbent on him to make any concession, by way of 
excuse for thus " rushing into print," as he is fully aware 
that no apology would suffice to blunt the pen of adverse 
criticism or mitigate the poignancy of its sting. 

In order to a correct understanding of several little 
episodes introduced in the course of the narrative, the reader 
is referred to the following notes : 

The Maid of the Rio Grande. — In an early part of 
the war, a Mexican force, under General Ampudia, having 
been driven by the troops of General Taylor to the border 
of the Rio Grande, it is said, that the Mexican general, in 
order to save himself from being taken prisoner, plunged 



Introduction. 



head-long into the river and swam to the opposite bank. 
The maid of the Rio Grande, alhided to in the text, in 
order to show her contempt for the Mexican commander 
and her admiration for the heroic leader of the American 
troops, had bestowed upon the more docile of her household 
pets the appellation of "Ampudia," and designated the 
fiercer one as "General Taylor." 

Camargo. — "The ditch of Camargo" was for a long time 
a theme of great merriment among the American forces, the 
officer superintending its construction having made the 
mistake of placing it inside the fortifications. 

Cerro Gordo. — Major General James Shields, who 
was severely wounded at the battle of Cerio Gordo, was 
present at the Opera House on the evening of the delivery 
of the poem, and officiated as orator. 

General Santa Anna, having lest a limb in a previous 
conflict, was provided with an artificial one, a duplicate of 
which, together with his gold-headed cane, was discovered 
in his carriage, which he had hastily abandont-d in order to 
expedite his flight from the battle field of Cerro Gordo. 

These articles (the cane and cork leg) were taken in 
charge by Colonel Riley, of the 2d Infantry, and subse- 
quently forwarded to the Mexican general. 



* 

Inti'odiiction. v 



Tatnall. — At the time the American fleet lay off Vera 
Cruz, previous to the investment of the city, Captain Tat- 
nall, a brave but eccentric Georgian, was seen, one morning, 
to M'eigh anchor and head his little craft (a small gun- 
boat called the " Spit-fire ") directly for the Castle of San 
Juan d'Uloa, as he, laughingly, said, for the purpose of 
drawing the fire of that fortress. 

His wishes were amply gratified, as the Ca-tle soon opened 
upon him with iis heaviest shot and shell. The commander 
of the fleet, observing the perilous position of the gun-boat, 
telegraphed for its immediate i-eturn. Talnall slowly 
obeyed the order, and strange to say, came out from the 
fiery shower unharmed. As he passed by the transports, on 
his return, he was loudly applauded by the soldiers on board 
of them, and was heard severely rebuking his crew because 
not a single one of them, in conformity with his expressed 
wishes, would suffer himself to be killed. 

San Juan d'Uloa. — This fortress, during the siege, was 
held by General Morelles, who, after a protracted resistance, 
was induced to capitulate, it is said, on account of sickness; 
the command of the castle having devolved temporarily on 
a subaltern officer. G. W. P. 

Poughkeepsie, N'. Y., October jd, i8y8. 



ARGUMENT. 



Introduction. 

Afaid of the Rio Grande and her Pets. 
Ditch of Camargo. 

Caiiiargo Damsel and htr Gnitar. 
'■ I/ail Columbia ! '' 
Cerro Gordo. 

General Shields. 
Santa Anna. 

Paroled Pi isoners. 

Belle of Jalapa. 

Vera Ci'uz. 

Ar??iy Afloat. 

Freak of Tatnall. 

The Landing^ 
Deaths of Vinton and Albertis. 

The Siege. 

The Surrender. 

Farewell. 



EPISODES 



|i? iiiriijait Hhi|. 



I^ERHAPS it may be thought 'twere better 
*^ taste, 

(Saving thereby his time from useless waste) 
For one to arms accustomed all his days, 
To strive for laurels rather than for bays; 
Where fields opposing test their struggling 

might. 
To join the battle than to si)?g the fight. 
But called by partial voices to the front. 



* 



S Episodes of 



(Not such to see as was your former wont) 
And urged to action by the martial muse, 
What had the hapless soldier left to choose? 
Look with forbearance, generous comrades, 

then, 
Oi! him who sheathes the sword to wield 

the pen. 

I sing of war — not such as Homer sung 
When verse unwritten flowed from minstrel 

tongue. 
Telling how camo about tlie siege of Troy, 
From naughty conduct of a girl and boy. 
And how the Greeks and Trojans were at 

odds, 
'Till Illium fell — forsaken by the gods. 
Nor yet such fierce affray as met the eyes, 
When Milton's angels quarreled in the skies, 
Nor ceased till he who tried to seize the 

crown. 
From the celestial heights was hustled down. 
Nor yet again such combats as arose, 
When Rome's proud eagles hovered o'er her 

foes, 



The Mexican War. 



And gazing world-ward from his car of fame, 
Great Gaesar saw — and conquered as he came. 
Quite conscious that such effort would be 

vain, 
I tune my harp strings to a humbler strain. 
Remembering what occurred not long ago, 
" My voice is still for war " — with Mexico; 
But not qute yet — so putting off the fray. 
The muse looks backward to an earlier day, 
When you and I marched o'er the hostile sod, 
Where Scott commanded and where Taylor 

trod. 
But first an episode or two she brings, 
(Ghosen from several tingling on her strings) 
Portraying how in minds of divers mood. 
If not with all, with some the army stood; 
And after that — provided so you choose — 
She'll take you with her on to Vera Gruz. 

First then of all, to try the muse's wing, 
In humble flight she will attempt to sing 
Of what occurred between a soldier * "laddie," 
Belonging to the staff of " Rough and 
Ready," 



Episodes of 



And a young girl who, judging from her 

tone. 
Preferred, somewhat, our heroes to her own. 

It was not long after Resaca's day. 
When Taylor drove Ampudia's hosts away, 
While to escape, forgetful of his pride. 
The chieftain swam the Rio Grande's tide, 
That on a porch, which over-looked the flood. 
There sat a maiden of the Aztec blood; 
And by her chair a stranger was in view. 
Wearing the costume of the " boys in blue." 
Pleased seemed the stranger and as pleased 

the maid, 
Although his dress had not her country's 

shade. 
And as they both indulged in converse 

sweet. 
Such as obtains when youthful sexes meet, 
It was observed, at times, she turned to chide 
A creature like a wild-cat at her side. 
Whose savage mew with mortal terror shook 
A little dog, which in her lap she took. 



TJie Alexican IVai'. 



The puppy from a mongrel breed was sprung, 

The cat a species of the tiger's young, 

The one she called "Ampudia " — spoke his 

name 
As oft' as to her lap the puppy came; 
The other bore a well known soubi^iqnet, 
Which at the time she did not chance to say. 
Observing how with rage the wild cat 

glowed. 
At the caresses on her charge bestowed. 
As the dog, trembling, couched upon her 

knees. 
She calmed his fears with words somewhat 

like these : 
"Poor little pet ! and did he find it handy 
To cross, vvithout a boat, the Rio Grande ? 
And does he want to take another swim 
Because the horrid tiger growls at him ? 
Ampudia ! poor Ampudia ! does he whine 
Because the kitten's eyes are big and shine ?" 
And o'er the cur, awhile, she softly sung, 
What seemed a ditty, in her own sweet 

tongue; 
Then quickly starting up from where she sat, 



4< 



J 2 Episodes of 



With finger pointing to the restless cat, 
Whose savage howl and fiercely flashing eyes 
Once more elicited the puppy's cries ; 
*' Voyez Americain !" she said, "look there ! 
See tiger cat ! Ampudia he scare !" 

'* And what's his name, fair maid, whose 

eyes of fire 
Glance on the lap-dog trembling 'neath his 

ire r 
— Passed o'er the damsel's cheek a rising 

flush. 
Which as she turned changed to a deeper 

blush ; 
Bright hues of shame not difficult to raise, 
When foeman's daughter speaks in foeman's 

praise — 
" His name of whom Ampudia's so afraid ? 
Ask you his name ? — 't is Taylor^' said the 

maid. 

Again, come fly with me on wings of song. 
And view yon bristling columns march along, 



i 



* 

The Mexican War, 13 



Until their bayonets on a river gleam, 

Not far removed from Rio Grande's stream. 

Ascending up its bank, the army's van 

Enters a village on the San Juan; 

A rustic hamlet not unknown to fame. 

All will admit who hear Camargo's name. 

The same an astute General fortified, 

Placing the ditch upon the adverse side. 

An engineering feat at which the foe, 

Not only laughed but, also, thanked him too. 

But to proced in order — long before 

Th' invading forces landed on their shore, 

The priests had told the people how the 

Yanks 
Were given to pillage and all sorts of pranks; 
Such as reducing towns by sword and flame, 
And other capers scarcely fit to name : 
So when the Union columns came in view, 
Expecting something dreadful from the crew. 
Something they knew not what — and never 

knew, 



14 Episodes of 



The frightened people to the churches ran, 
Flying to Mary — to be saved from man; 
The entering troops increasing their alarms, 
By forming on the plaza under arms. 
Just opposite the forces on that day, 
Perhaps a rod or two from where they lay, 
Rose a cathedral, near whose sacred ground 
Hundreds for safet}' had collected round. 
Among the sweltering masses — some at 

prayer. 
Some at — I know not what — nor do I care, 
(Although 'twas said, sometimes, among the 

crowd, 
Curses were heard — not muttered over 

loud — ) 
The looker on might see a little lass 
Forcing her way before the yielding mass, 
(A fair-haired girl, whose bright Castilian 

eye 
Proclaimed her blood of no mere common 

dye), 
And, once delivered from its surging flood, 
Approach the Plaza where the forces stood. 
Advancing from the dim Cathedral's shade, 



^ 

The Mexican War. 15 



Startled even at the sound herself had made, 
It was observed, when from the lines not far, 
Something she bore resembling a guitar, 
While something like a scarf — white, blue 

and red, 
(Inviting hues !) was bound aroiuid her head. 
Approaching nearer still, she paused to gaze 
At the long line of troops, who, in amaze 
At the appearance of so fair a thing. 
Looked on the girl with silent wondering. 
Then she, as conscious of her power to im- 
part 
What most would touch the stern invaders' 

heart. 
Loosening from her guitar its silken string. 
Fingered it gently first, to try its ring, 
And then with pleading look — eyes with 

emotion dim. 
All trembling, swept the chords — and played 

Otir Nation s Jiymn. 
Then voices rough, from out that stalwart 

band. 
Chimed in with " Hail Columbia ! happy 

land ; " 



1 6 Episodes of 



While from our ranks, no longer now afraid, 
One loud huzza, greeted the Aztec maid. 
And she, unharmed by hostile blade or ball, 
Returning back, gave confidence to all. 

Once more, descending from her airy heights, 
Upon another scene the muse alights. 
'Twas after Cerro Gordo's dreadful day, 
That on the field a bleeding warrior lay : 
Fallen but not in death— to live again 
Where war's red chariots skim the sanguine 

plain, 
Proving to all by his return to life. 
How Honor lives in and beyond the strife. 
Yes ! silent though on tented plain it lies, 
With all its seeming, Honor never dies ! 
When to its course, apparent close is given, 
It flies from Earth to find a home in Heaven. 
And who was he the patriot and the brave, 
Who found a crimson bed — but not a grave } 
With Avhom, while wandering from breast to 

breast, 
The soul of courage found a place to rest } 



The Mexican Waj; 17 



In after years who fought in many fields ? 
Who but yon war-scarred man — the veteran 
Shields. 



Once more ! 'Twas after Cerro Gordo's day 
When Santa Anna fought — and ran away; 
Showing his troops how fast a man could peg 
Along a race course — with a wooden leg. 
(But better that, considering how he sped, 
Than some we know off — with a wooden 
head). 

Well then — T'was after Cerro Goido fell — 
(If at the story I propose to tell 
I ever shall arrive) such was the crowd 
Of prisoners taken, they were all allowed 
(No pun upon the word) to go "Scott free," 
Excepting officers — these last to be 
Counted as prisoners held upon parole ; 
After which understanding, they might stroll 
Wherever they saw fit — their friends to meet, 
And talk with them over their sad defeat. 
With this arrangement all appeared content, 
And on the strength of it a portion went 



1 8 Episodes of 



To Orizaba — other parties chose 
Jalapa — to which point my story goes. 

It was a hall of mingled mirth and song, 
Where eyes shone out, as if to light along 
The reveller's mazy pathway — where the 

c.owd 
Of worshipers to lovely woman bowed, 
As bows an idolizer to a shrine 
Himself had made — half human, half divine. 
Woman in all her varied phase was there, 
Like roses from Jalapa gardens rare, 
Alike in beauty and alike in bloom, 
Differing only in color and perfume ; 
Whether in deep recess, with willing ear 
Listening to murmured words she loves to 

hear, 
Or in the dance to sounds of music sweet, 
Swiftly she sailed along, with spangled feet 
Twinkling amid its maze — like stars that flit 
Thro' a thin cloud at night — enlight'ning it. 



>i< 



The Mexican War. 19 



Gathered, also, were there strong stalwart 

men, 
Jalapa's conquerors — while now and then 
Downcast, it was not difficult to trace 
Features belonging the Aztec race; 
Whose every look and action plainly told 
Them as belonging to the class paroled, 
Permitted there thro' courtesy of those 
Who now their friends — were recently their 

foes. 

On ! onward ! with the dance ! w^ho cares 

for pause, 
'Mid glistening eagles and 'mid floating 

gauze ? 
Where beauty sails around with drooping 

head. 
Upheld by valor with his martial tread ? 
But who is he, with sad and vacant air, 
As if he had no part nor portion there. 
Viewing the scene remotely where he stands 
With looks abstracted and with folded hands? 
Oh ! I adjure you by his frequent sigh, 
Soldiers ! have pity on your enemy. 



Episodes of 



She whom he loves he marks with troubled 

gaze, 
Like star-light flitting through the waltz's 

maze; 
He sees her panting bosom rise and fall, 
Among the fair, the fairest of them all, 
And, for a?iother, views her glances swim 
With the same light which once they had for 

him ; 
The smile for which his life he would forego, 
Still on another beams — and that his foe ; 
While as she sweeps along, her head is seen 
Upon his shoulder languidly to lean. 
And can love's teachings be so soon forgot ? 
Moments of former joys remembered not ? 
It cannot be ! he will again implore 
One favor from her — if she grants no more. 
With faltering steps and half averted glance, 
Amid a pause of the suspended dance, 
Approaching slow, in tones which doubt be- 
trayed. 
Her quandam lover thus addressed the maid: 
" For the next measure— if not in demand — 
Will the Seiiora yield to me her hand } " 



The Mexican War. 



Quick flashed the proud Castilian's kindled 

eye; 
Her burning cheek assumed a deeper dye ; 
Woe ! to the wretch that ever he was born, 
Who writhed beneath such words of wither- 
ing scorn ! 
'' And ask you this oi me T' the damsel said, 
" You, in the fight who with your leader fled ? 
Think you Castilian maid so lost to shame. 
As with her own to link a caitiff's name ? 
So small her jeweled fingers in demand, 
That she must trust them to a coward's hand ? 
No, Sefior, no! — your pride I would not vex — 
But maids Castilian — dance not ivith their 

sexr 
No word more bitter — censure more severe — 
Than taunt as woman, manly cavalier. 

Now, turn your field glass once again with 

me. 
And view an " army standing " — on the sea : 
On shore a term appropriate — but in boat 
Called for distinction's sake — "army afloat." 



Episodes of 



When early morning first unveiled the sun, 
It was a goodly sight to look upon 
Gunboats and transports carrying stores of 

weight, 
Merchantmen, loaded deep with human 

freight, 
Sloops, men-of-war, tenders, at anchor fast. 
With flags and streamers fluttering from the 

mast, 
All riding idly upon waves that toss, 
Before the city of the Sacred Cross. 

On every transport that appeared in view 
Men clad in uniform of army blue, 
Crowded its chartered deck — a hardy lot 
Of Union soldiers, under the veteran Scott ; 
The great Pacificator — him who came 
To " conquer peace " — by means of sword 

and flame. 
" Peace is my mission" to his foe he said, 
And made it sure — by cutting off his head. 

The gale which had prevailed throughout 
the night. 



The Mexican IVar. 23 

Up to the time the city came in sight, 
(A norther, in those latitudes well known 
By frequent wrecks upon the shingles thrown) 
Had so increased in force during the day, 
The fleet at anchor was compelled to lay. 
Although beyond the reach of shot and shell 
Aimed from the hostile heights, however 

well. 
The restless city took especial care 
To send her greetings to us through the air; 
Even the castle, impotent as brave. 
Growled out her " welcome to a bloody 

grave." 
Three days and nights the tempest had full 

sway ; 
Three days and nights the fleet at anchor 

lay ; 
If long the night, still longer seemed the 

days. 
Spent by the soldier-crew in various ways. 
Meanwhile on board the gun-boats, as they 

rode 
Beside the transports where the troops were 

stowed, 



24 



Episodes of 



Proverbial for impatience one could trace 
Its signs developed by the sailor race. 
On every craft which the observer saw, 
Bronzed hands were busy with the sports of 

war. 
In a mock fight some were engaged at play; 
Some scanned the clouds, impatient at 

delay ; 
Some played foot ball upon the yard-arm's 

slack, 
Until the coxswain, piping, played them 

back; 
Some played tattoo upon the idle drum ; 
Some played the fife — and played the d 1 

some; 
While one, I grieve to say — a pious lad — 
Was heard to mutter — " too darnation bad !" 



To while away the moments, now and then, 
More serious sports, sometimes, amused the 

men. 
Such as when Tatnall in his tiny boat, 



The Mexican War. ~ 25 



To the amusement of the troops afloat, 
With hastily weighed anchor, bearing down. 
Was seen to head directly for the town. 
Passing the city which beheld, aghast. 
Yet bellowed at his rashness as he passed. 
His craft steamed on, defiant of all laws. 
Until it reached the castle's very jaws. 
Where off the ramparts cruising to and fro, 
He tossed the gauntlet to th' astonished foe. 

Uloa saw, but from her forted wall 
Withheld her vengeance from a thing so 

small, 
Until a shot that skipped along her beam, 
Awoke the fortress from its silent dream. 

'Twas then put forth her strength the great 
Uloa; 

Bay her fierce war dogs with tumultuous 
roar; 

Bursts the dark tempest from her smoke- 
wreathed hold, 

The hot rain pouring, while her thunders 
rolled; 



^ 



* 

26 Episodes of 



The waters boil as boils the whirlpool's 

flood; 
The hissing waves grow red — but not with 

blood. 

And where was he 'naid all this iron rain ? 
Untouched he bughed — and blazed away 

again, 
Until compelled to take the homeward track, 
By signal from the flag-ship ordered back. 
Even then at going, he expressed regret, 
And swore he'd "whip the blackguard bum- 
mers yet," 
Saying, as slow his craft he turned about, 
If left alone he would have " cleaned them 
out." 

" Lubbers," he cried, while tears his eyelids 

filled, 
"Just for my sake — can't one of you get 

killed ? 
But one of you my hearties — ^just to show 
That if not * ours ' at least * we've met the 

foe.' " 



* 

The Mexican War. ii 



This is not fancy's sketch, but solemn fact, 
He wept because his crew returned intact. 
And now the south wind came on wings of 

balm. 
Smoothing the billows with its pinions calm. 
With hopes deferred no longer hearts are 

sick, 
With hopes accomplished beat their pulses 

quick ; 
The dull suspense — the agony is passed, 
The hour so long delayed arrives at last. 
Hark ! to that sound which o'er the water 

comes ! 
' Tis the assembly from the flag-ship's drums. 
The troops, obedient to the well known call, 
Swarm on the upper decks — expectant all. 
The surf boats launched are waiting, side by 

side, 
In line extended where the transports ride, 
Protected when within the city's reach. 
By friendly gun-boats anchored near the 

beach ; 
Which also in their first attempt to land, 
Can sweep such foe as occupies the strand. 



* 

28 Episodes of 



Mark now the flag-ship ! Lo ! a signal floats, 
*' First line all ready ! forward to your 
boats." 



%\t ^Htthtng, 



The signal flag is in the sky ! 

Ten thousand hearts are beating high I 

Ye, of the foremost line, draw nigh ! 

Huzza ! 
" Prepare to land ! " take heed ! stand by ! 

Huzza ! 

The surf-boats touch the ship's tall side. 
Along the lea they smoothly ride. 
Cling to the ropes your steps to guide ! 

Huzza ! 
Down, down, descend with rapid stride ! 

Huzza ! 

Now watch the war-words once again, 

All eyes upon the flag-ship's main ! 

" Land ! land ! " now reads the signal plain. 

Huzza ! 
Cast off ! give way with stalwart strain ! 

Huzza ! 



The Mexican War. 29 

Tiim, trim the boat ! ply, ply the oar, 
The waters foam — the war-dogs roar, 
The death shells ])urst behind — before — 

Huzza ! 
Bend to the^stroke — strain for the shore ! 

Huzza ! 

The sea-walls shake with thunder riven, 
Around ye Avar's red bolts are driven, 
Above ye floats the bird of Heaven — 

Huzza ! 
Strive, brothers, as ye ne'er have striven ! 

Huzza ! 

The foremost surf-boat nears the land — 
It grounds, out dash the dauntless band — 
Follow, my boys, with flag in hand — 

Huzza ! 
We breast the surf — we gain the sand — 

Huzza : 

Now, raise the starry banner high ; 

Rally — close up — crowd 'round — stand by ! 

Our eagle rules the Aztec sky : 

Huzza I 

Comrades ! one cheer for victory ! 

Huzza ! 



30 Episodes of 



%\% f>it^% of Tc4ia %x\\i 

The beach was gained ! the morning sun 

arose 
On bristling lines extended, free from foes, 
Who, when the foremost surf-boats reached 

the land, 
Were heard retiring o'er the hills of sand, 
Marking their course by some expended ball. 
Which harmless 'mid the closing ranks would 

fall. 
No longer now by obstacles oppressed, 
The troops proceed the city to invest. 
Hard by the spot upon the yielding sands, 
Triumphant w^here the bristling column 

stands, 
High sandy hills, beyond the castle's reach. 
Extending inw^ard, stretch from beach to 

beach ; 
A natural breast work whose concentric 

rounds. 
Circle the city in their hollow bounds. 
Along this narrow but unguarded pass, 



The Mexican War. 



31 



Now crowd the glittering column's mingled 

mass. 
The late possessing foe no longer waits, 
But fast retreating seeks the city gates, 
Borne like the chaff upon the rushing wind, 
Leaving all weightier matter far behind, 
Nor stops his speed until from danger free, 
He gains once more the bul\Aarks by the sea ; 
There to relate how stood the foot and horse 
Till overcome by a superior force; 
And when pursued they yelled with all their 

might 
And dared the yankee devils to the fight. 
Meanwhile in spite of shells that burst 

around, 
And plunging shot that ploughs the sandy 

ground, 
(For though the city was far out of sight 
Its half-spent missiles, sometimes, would 

alight) 
Onward and on the taunting banners lead, 
Onward and on the crowding escorts speed — 
While round and round, in rings that closer 

twine, 



32 


Episodes of 


The column 


weaves its ever circling line. 


But though 


there seemed few causes for 


alarm, 




During the 


march — not all escaped from 


harm. 





' Twas here the noble Vinton bit the ground, 
Yielding his breath without apparent wound; 
A shot, 'twas said, too near his bosom came, 
Stilling the heart which beat for home and 

fame. 
And further on the brave Albertis died, 
A drummer lad stretched armless at his side; 
The one all ghastly lay without a head, 
The other calling " mother," as he bled. 
From far Uloa's heights, concealed from view, 
A monster gun the swift projectile threw. 
Startled to hear the crash through branches 

green, 
Made by the deadly missile still unseen, 
Albertis, at the moment on the spot, 
Sheltered securely from the reach of shot. 
Stepped, careless, from the covert where he 

sate, 
And just in time to meet his sudden fate. 



The Mexican War. 33 



As if to do its fatal mission well, 

By the same shot the young musician fell ; 

His comrades pet — perhaps his mother's 

joy- 
Thus fell Albertis and the drummer boy. 
Meanwhile, despite the shower of shot and 

shell, 
Some aimed aslant and some directed well, 
About the city, like a serpent cold, 
The army winds its anaconda fold, 
Until at last, extending more and more, 
Its lines converging reach from shore to 

shore. 
And then, apparently, for days and days 
The work was staid, and tho' with sore 

amaze. 
The foe looked from his tow^ers, his watch 

was vain 
For signs of life beyond the desert plain. 
No drum was heard, no distant bugle sang — 
No stirring clash of arms — no cymbals' 

clang — 
Concealed from view by works prepared with 

care. 



LofC. 



*• 



34 Episodes of 



No outward sign revealed " our flag was 

there;" 
An army slept with all its sounds of dread, 
Silent as sleeps the city of the dead ! 

The foe, uncertain where our forces lay. 
With random firing vexed the silent day, 
And tho' sometimes a loose but fatal shot 
Fell in our lines — yet we returned it not. 
**Shame on ye, idle laggards! foulest shame! 
Upon your army and your Union's name ! 
Boastful as dastards are — do what you will, 
You dare not raise your heads above the hill ! 
Come from your gopher sand holes into sight. 
And Mexico will show ye how to fight. 
And you, our would be allies far and wide. 
Enticed by falsehood to the adverse side, 
Who now in freedom's cause are doubtless 

sick. 
Condemned to labor with the axe and pick; 
Break from the chains your masters would 

install. 
Come to our lines and we'll receive you all; 
Leave the invading tyrant to his fate, 



* 

The Mexican War. 35 



Craving- forgiveness when he asks too late." 
Offensive placards bearing taunts like these, 
Came to the works with every morning 

breeze, 
Whenever blew from off the hostile shore, 
A norther strong enough to waft them o'er. 
And were you idle, comrades, answer me, 
(I think that yonder one of you I see). 

Whose was the pick^axe — whose the 

constant spade. 
Threw up the earthworks, or the platforms 

laid ? 
Who, at the dawn, in feverish sleep was found, 
A stone his pillow and his bed the ground ? 
Who, patient at the insults on him cast, 
Smiled, as he said, " pay day will come at 

last.?" 
— And it did come — as will be told in time. 
If you will listen further to my rhyme. 

Up to the moment when that circling band 
Was drawn around the city's guarded strand, 
Against the Union forces, not a raid 



36 Episodes of 



The braggart foe to draw them forth had 

made. 
Well pleased, no doubt, for all his taunts, 

that they 
Within their lines, contented, seemed to stay, 
Dreaming inert, the lazy hours away. 

'Twas afternoon — the heavy work was done; 
'Mid hazy clouds went down the setting sun; 
The waters slept-^no sound came o'er the 

hill— 
The air, *' a chartered libertine," seemed 

still; 
And as the shades of evening deeper rose 
All nature breathed of quiet and repose. 
If she could speak, as if her voice would say, 
''How sweet the stillness of the closing day, 
When pensive silence sooths the troubled 

breast, 
And weary labor sits him down to rest !" 

I0 Jtrms. 

But hark ! what sound is that ? what light 
is there ? 



* 

The Mexican War. 37 



What sudden boom disturbs the silent air ? 

Again I hear it — nearer still it comes — 

To arms — to arms — strike up the rolling 

drums ! 
Quick, comrades, quick ! all to your places 

run — 
Man — man the works — it is the signal gun. 
Wake up the war-dogs sleeping on the wall I 
Already they are loosed — they hear the 

call- 
Behold ! red lightnings flash from mound to 

mound ! 
Listen ! a nearer — deeper — deadlier sound ! 
Peals of live thunder leap from shore to 

shore — 
It is — it is oiw batteries opening j^oar. 



I heard all night the mortars deadly clang 
As if, at once, a thousand anvils rang — 
I saw the fiery serpents mounting high, 
As if an hundred meteors lit the sky; 
And o'er the city's domes a blood-red cloud, 
Like death enveloped in a crimson shroud, 



4< 



^. 



38 Episodes of 



While screech and scream and shout and 

fierce alarms, 
Mixed with the cries of fire and clash of 

arms. 
In thunder now the kindled blaze to meet, 
Rattle the cars along the stony street ; 
Now as the smouldering- piles in ruin fall, 
Th' insatiate flames to other quarters call. 
Up yonder tall cathedral's graceful spire 
In wreaths fantastic twines the curling fire, 
Seeming 'mid clouds of smoke its arms to 

toss, 
(A hideous phantom) upward to the cross. 
In vain the pious crowd, in gathering bands, 
Call upon "Mary" with uplifted hands ; 
No Mary comes her prosel}'tes to save. 
Her altars serve them for a common gfrave, 
As crushing madly through the pictured 

walls, 
Falls the dread shell, and murders where it 

falls. 
Humbled at last — encumbered with the slain, 
Three days and nights beneath that leaden 

rain. 



* 

The Mexican War. 39 



To stay the wrath of their relentless foes, 
A deputation from the city goes, 
Begging Uloa's commandant to yield, 
And save the city which he cannot shield. 
But stern Morelles answers not their cries, 
Still from the castle gun for gun replies, 
While 'mid the fiery shower of bombs and 

balls. 
Red carnage stalks within the city's walls. 
'Twas then that sick at heart and weak and 

pale, 
Morelles' bride pours forth her piteous wail : 
'' Stay, soldier, sta}s" 'tis thus the mother 

pleads, 
Amid the ruins where her offspring bleeds : 

" Stay, soldier, stay — one kind reply — 

One answer to my soul's despair ! 
When will the death-shell cease to fly, 

The bullet hurtle through the air ? 
See yonder, how the rockets gleam ! 

The toppling steeples fall around — 
And pouring thick its sulphurous stream, 

The belching howitz plows the ground." 



* 



40 Episodes of 



" Lady ! away — where sleeps thy pride ? 

Thy gallant lord directs the field; 
Art thou a true Castilian's bride, 

And yet would'st bid our leader yield ? 
We go to face the iron hail, 

'Morelles !' is our battle cry, 
One cause is ours — no heart must quail — 

' Morelles I death or victory ! ' " 

" I know my lord sustains the fight, 

And know his hand will do its best; 
But tell him, 'mid the strife to-night. 

His babe lies wounded on my breast. 
Bel)old ! is 't not a gentle child ? 

Once with his locks he loved to play; 
Last eve within his arms it smiled — 

Hekissed it as he rode away; 

" But now, alas ! it smiles no more, 

Its cheek is wan and crazed its brain; 
vSee here ! its robes are red with gore — 

Soldier ! and must I plead in vain ? 
He hears me not — man scorns to hear 

Or mother's wail or infant's cry — 
And hark ! again that dreadful cheer ! 

' Morelles ! death or victory ! ' " 

She sank before the image dim 
Of her to earth a God who gave. 



The Mexican War. 4^ 



" Mother ! through thee I plead to him, 
Son of the Virgm ! Jesu, save ! " 
******* 
She ceased — and lo ! the boon that man denied 
Indulgent Heaven has yielded to the bride. 

Is it a trumpet ringing on the blast ? 

Did ye not hear it, comrades, as it passed ? 

Level your glasses towards yon buttress 

brown ! 
A flag of truce is waving from the town; 
And while we gaze upon it, swells again 
The well known music of a Herald's strain. 
Approaching through a gate, which open 

swings, 
A messenger of peace this message brings: 
"Weary with watching, weak from loss of 

life. 
The foe is willing to suspend the strife; 
Three days and nights he gallantly had 

stood 
'Mid scorching flames and streets that ran 

with blood, 



Episodes of 



And only asks, in view of valor shown. 
To pass unarmed our lines and join his own " 
Soon as the message to our works had come 
Rolled out, from rank to rank, the pealing 

drum, 
Not for the charge, for which those ranks 

were formed 
To take, that morn, the city to be stormed, 
But as a signal for the stirring cry, 
Which rent the hills, of "Scott and victory !" 
These terms admitted — from Uloa's mast, 
The starry banner to the breeze was cast. 
While from each tower surrendered by our 

foes. 
In lieu of theirs, the spangled flag arose. 
Then through our lines, unchallenged, passed 

in swarms. 
The sullen soldiery, deprived of arms, 
All but Morelles, who, as a reward 
For bravery at Uloa, kept his sword. 

Such is the tale your minstrel had to tell, 
How Vera Cruz and how her castle fell. 



* 

The Mexican IVar. 43 



And now, so patiently you've heard the 

strain, 
The muse permits you, comrades, once 

again 
(Leaving behind the city's captured gates) 
To join with those who now the dance 

awaits; 
Where in the contest soft, though some may 

bleed, 
'Tis not from heads, but hearts, the wounds 

proceed; 
Nor made by bolt from forted wall that flies. 
But by the keener shaft — from woman's eyes. 
I yield you to her tender mercies — sure 
That she who wounds you has the skill to 

cure. 



